2 suspects in Skyway robberies arrested

MANILA, Philippines — Two suspects involved in a series of robberies on the Skyway have been arrested, the National Capital Region Police Office reported on Wednesday.

Anjo Sardoma and Joland Cabotaje were tagged as persons of interest in separate Skyway robberies on March 12 and Jan. 5, respectively.

Upon the issuance of a search warrant, police arrested the suspects in separate operations on Monday.

Cabotaje was nabbed at his house in General Trias, Cavite. Sardoma was collared in a condominium building in Malate, Manila.

Police said they recovered several firearms and explosives upon searching Sardoma’s condominium unit.

Two fake license plates – E2 JI85 and NCH 9861– were also confiscated.

Further investigation revealed that the plate numbers were used in separate robberies along Skyway on March 13 and May 21.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded at least eight Skyway robberies since 2021.

PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said the robbers carted away over P136 million in cash and valuables.

With the arrest of the two suspects, Fajardo said police may be close to identifying the whereabouts of six other members of the crime ring who remain at large.

According to the PNP, most victims who have fallen prey to the group are foreigners and casino high rollers.

Police said they are coordinating with the security management of the casinos to fast-track the probe.